FDA Clarifies Executive Summary on Talc is Solely to Solicit Data

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) held a public meeting in February 2020 to obtain data on topics related to concerns over talc. From the materials collected, the agency opened a public docket for comments, including its Executive Summary titled, 'Preliminary Recommendations on Testing Methods for Asbestos in Talc and Consumer Products Containing Talc.'

See related: Talc Results are In, FDA Releases 6-part Report

The FDA highlighted that recently, it was made aware of concerns that some external parties may consider the Executive Summary to be FDA recommendations. As a result, the agency announced the availability of new content on its web page for cosmetics and talc to clarify the intent of the Executive Summary, and to address information provided in connection with the public meeting.

"Specifically, the update is intended to clarify that the Executive Summary and related presentations at the public meeting were meant solely to solicit scientific feedback on the issues raised and should not be used for any other purpose," the agency wrote in a press statement.

The FDA and members of the Interagency Working Group on Asbestos in Consumer Products (IWGACP) continue to evaluate the scientific literature and public feedback to the docket and do not have any recommendations at this time. Should the FDA decide to develop recommendations with respect to standards or testing methods for asbestos in talc, as a result of the information received, it would issue draft guidance for public comment. Likewise, the FDA would propose any related regulations through a public notice and comment process.

For more information, see the FDA website.